Juvenile Court Programs

Baby Think It Over
The Baby Think It Over Program is a Reality Works teaching program that targets those teens that are sexually active. Participants are given a parenting simulation by using a lifelike, computerized baby that will be programmed to provide information about the level of care that the participant provides the “baby”. This life skills program develops goals, defines personal values, addresses peer pressure and develops communication skills. The program is also designed to serve as a deterrent for teenage pregnancy.

Community Works
Community Works is a multi-faceted, law-related educational program taught by probation staff as a competency-building tool for probated youth. The program teaches the practical impact of crime upon the community and how children can redirect their thinking, making choices that reduce recidivism. Other topics include conflict resolution and anger management. Programs are taught in 2-3 hour blocks on two evenings for a total of 4-6 hours.

Conflict Resolution
This psycho-educational program is broken up into four sections and focuses on the different areas of conflict in children’s lives. The course teaches appropriate communication with friends and families, along with learning how to manage anger. Children who complete this class should be able to communicate in a more effective way and to problem solve.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
The CASA Program recruits, screens, trains and supervises volunteers who serve as advocates for abused or neglected children who are under the jurisdiction of the Chatham County Juvenile Court. These volunteers conduct investigations, participate in Court hearings and provide recommendations to the Judge regarding what they feel are best for the children.

Electronic Monitoring
Youth wear leg monitors and may only leave the home as scheduled. Any deviation is automatically transmitted electronically to the probation or intake officer.

Future Focus: Life Skills Development and Scholarship Program
This Juvenile Court program is designed to teach female probationers the professionalism, business etiquette and interview skills necessary for success. Probation officers nominate those young women who demonstrate self-improvement, academic achievement and dedicated service to the community. Each nominee submits two letters of recommendation and an essay on their goals for the future. They must also complete our business etiquette and life skills course to qualify for consideration. Each child receives a gift certificate to purchase business attire for their final interview. One female is awarded a $500.00 scholarship to the educational institution of her choice.

Mediation
Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution in which the conflicting parties come together to discuss their differences, express concerns, explore options, and negotiate a mutually agreeable solution. All parties involved meet with a neutral third party (a mediator) to effectively communicate the details of the conflict and their feelings, perceptions, and interests to the other party. The goal is to have both parties resolve their conflict. At the end of the mediation, if an agreement is reached, a binding agreement is written and signed. Upon compliance, the case is dismissed.

Moral Reconation Therapy
This twelve-step educational program is a cognitive, moral-based intervention designed to help youth recognize the relationship between unhealthy thinking and poor behavioral choices. Youth are confronted with taking responsibility for the results of their sometimes erroneous values and challenged to face the reality of the need for change.

Restitution Program
The Court has a formalized policy of collecting restitution which resulted in $44,727.24 being collected and paid to victims. A grant in the amount of $7,500.00 was obtained to enable some of the children to earn money at approved community non-profit organizations. All of the money earned was paid to victims who were owed restitution.

Saturday Work Squad/Community Service
Delinquent offenders are supervised as they perform manual labor on the grounds of the Juvenile Court or community service at other non-profit locations within Chatham County.

Savannah Impact Program (SIP)
The Savannah Impact program is an intensive supervision program that targets a caseload of high-risk, juvenile offenders who require extra support services to reduce their potential for recidivism. A probation officer is partnered with a Savannah Chatham Metro Police officer to provide the highest level of monitoring along with greater opportunities for positive redirection through increased levels of accountability and utilization of cognitive behavior programs.

Sex Offender and Addiction Program (SOAP)
The licensed counselors of the SOAP program perform evaluations of juvenile sex offenders. In addition, they provide intensive counseling through individual and group therapy in an effort to prevent future sexual deviancy.

Tracking
This program provides intensive surveillance and monitoring of a youth, allowing the child to remain home pending further action of the Court. The child must abide by the rules of house arrest. In addition, the child must be accountable for five or more unannounced face to face visits and telephone calls per day for 30 to 45 days.

Wrap Around Services
The youth is released to a parent or guardian with in-home services provided by a private agency. A licensed therapist works with the family several hours per week for up to 30 days. Services include counseling and crisis management.

Youth Educational Shoplifting Program (Y.E.S. Program)
This technology-based home-study program is for all first offender misdemeanor shoplifters who do not contest or deny their charges. Youth are post-tested for outcomes with a risk assessment of their potential for re-offending. There is a moderate fee offenders must pay to participate. Parents also have some responsibility for oversight. Documented feedback is provided to the Court regarding completion and risk.